Hearkening to God's Commandments: Peace as a River

"O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments" (Isaiah 48:18). The prophet presents three essential truths about obedience to Yahweh.

First, hearkening denotes reverent and careful attention to God's message. It is the duty of all people to listen however and whenever Elohim sees fit to speak. This is not passive hearing but active submission.

Second, the promise unfolds through the metaphor peace as a river (shalom, wholeness and completeness). The river originates small and vigorous in mountain springs, gathering tributaries—means of grace—as it advances. It sweeps away obstacles of unsanctified affections and unconquered lusts through its gathering strength. The ancient heathen employed the river symbol from Jupiter's throne to represent universal beneficence; Isaiah speaks of the "perfect peace" enjoyed by God's true children, what St. Paul calls "the peace of God which passeth all understanding."

Third, this peace exhibits perpetual increase. The river narrows through mountain channels, then spreads conspicuously across plains. So too the Christian's peace fluctuates—sometimes barely visible, sometimes flowing with tenfold velocity and strength. Yet it grows ever stronger and more pervading, traced back to insignificant springs far up the mountainside, just as peace in the soul begins small but expands eternally.